Polarization conversion systems for stereoscopic projection
A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.
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This patent application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/047,763, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,934, entitled “Polarization conversion system for stereoscopic projection”, filed Mar. 14, 2011, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/864,198, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,602, entitled “Polarization conversion system for stereoscopic projection”, filed Sep. 28, 2007, which relates and claims benefit of: (a) U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/827,657, entitled “Polarization Conversion System for Cinematic Projection,” filed Sep. 29, 2006; (b) U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/911,043, entitled “Polarization conversion system for 3-D projection,” filed Apr. 10, 2007; and (c) U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/950,652, entitled “Polarization conversion system for 3-D projection,” filed Jul. 19, 2007. All applications referenced above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure relates to a projection system for projecting images for a three-dimensional viewing experience, and more in particular to a polarization conversion system utilizing polarized light for encoding stereoscopic images.
BACKGROUNDThree-dimensional (3D) imagery can be synthesized using polarization control following the projector and polarization controlling eyewear (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,850 to Lipton, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein).
A conventional implementation of polarization control at the projector is shown in
This conventional system has been used in theatres. However, the conventional system requires that greater than 50% of the light is absorbed by the polarizer, and the resulting image is greater than 50% dimmer than that of a typical 2D theatre. The dimmer image can limit the size of theatre used for 3D applications and/or provides a less desirable viewing experience for the audience.
SUMMARYAddressing the aforementioned problems, various embodiments of polarization conversion systems that receive light from a projector are described. The polarization conversion systems present a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.
In an embodiment, a polarization conversion system includes a polarization beam splitter (PBS), a polarization rotator, and a polarization switch. The PBS is operable to receive randomly-polarized light bundles from a projector lens, and direct first light bundles having a first state of polarization (SOP) along a first light path. The PBS is also operable to direct second light bundles having a second SOP along a second light path. The polarization rotator is located on the second light path, and is operable to translate the second SOP to the first SOP. The polarization switch is operable to receive first and second light bundles from the first and second light paths respectively, and to selectively translate the polarization states of the first and second light bundles to one of a first output SOP and a second output SOP. First light bundles are transmitted toward a projection screen. A reflecting element may be located in the second light path to direct second light bundles toward a projection screen such that the first and second light bundles substantially overlap to form a brighter screen image.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method for stereoscopic image projection includes receiving randomly-polarized light from a projector, directing first state of polarization (SOP) light on a first light path, and directing second SOP light on a second light path. The method also includes transforming the second SOP light on the second light path to first SOP light, and selectively translating the first SOP light on both light paths to one of a first output SOP and a second output SOP.
Other aspects and embodiments are described below in the detailed description.
Various embodiments of polarization conversion systems that receive light from a projector are described. The polarization conversion systems present a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.
In operation, ray bundles A, B, and C emerge randomly polarized from the lens 122 and are projected toward a screen 130 to form an image. In this embodiment, a PBS 112 is inserted in place of the polarizer 22 shown in
The S-polarized light 126 reflected by the PBS 112 passes through a polarization rotator 114 (e.g., a half-wave plate, preferably achromatic in some embodiments) and is rotated to p-polarized light 128. The new p-polarized light 128 passes to a fold mirror 116. The fold mirror 116 reflects the new p-polarized light 128 and passes it to polarization switch 120. The polarization switch 120, acting on p-polarized ray bundles A′, B′, and C′, rotates the polarization of the ray bundles in alternating frames, in synchronization with the rotation of bundles A, B, and C. The position of bundles A′, B′, and C′ at the screen may be adjusted (e.g., by adjusting the tilt of the fold mirror 116) to closely or exactly coincide with the positions of bundles A, B, and C at the screen. Since nearly all of the randomly polarized light 106 from the projection lens 122 is imaged at the screen 130 with a single polarization state, the resulting image of the system in
In this exemplary embodiment, the PBS 112 in
In some embodiments, the polarization rotator 114 in
In some embodiments, the fold mirror 116 may be replaced with a PBS element (e.g., wire grid plate). In this case, a purer polarization may be maintained after the PBS element.
Polarization switch 120 may be a switch as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,850; a switch as taught by any of the switches of commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/424,087 entitled “Achromatic Polarization Switches”, filed Jun. 14, 2006; both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes, or any other polarization switch known in the art that selectively transforms an incoming state of polarization. In some embodiments, the polarization switch 120 can be split (i.e., to increase yield of the device). If the polarization switch 120 is split, it is desirable that the two devices are located such that there is no overlap of bundles A′ and C in
In the polarization conversion system 100 of
Although as described, p-polarized light is transmitted toward the polarization switch 120, while s-polarized light is directed toward half-wave plate 114, it should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that an alternative configuration may be employed in which s-polarized light is transmitted toward the polarization switch 120, while p-polarized light is directed toward the half-wave plate 114.
With reference to
Optical transmission and stray light control may be optimized on optically transmissive elements by providing an anti-reflection coat thereon for high transmission and low reflection. Reflections from transmissive elements can cause stray light in the system which degrades contrast and/or produces disturbing artifacts in the final image. In some embodiments, additional absorptive polarizers may be placed after the half-wave plate 114 in the A′, B′, C′ path and/or after the PBS 112 in either path to control polarization leakage and improve the final image contrast.
In this exemplary embodiment, a telephoto lens pair 340 may be implemented in the optical path where light transmits through the PBS 312. Here, telephoto lens pair 340 is located along an optical path and with the field of view centered on the optical axis. Typically, telephoto lens 340 allows control of magnification, distortion, and imaging properties with two elements such that the two images overlay relatively close, i.e., within 1-4 pixels of each other, while maintaining spots sizes on the order of a fraction of a pixel and lateral color on the order of a pixel. Alternatively, a reverse telephoto lens (not shown) may be implemented in the optical path where light reflects from the PBS 312 (located between the polarization switch 320 and fold mirror 316, or after the fold mirror 316). If a telephoto or reverse telephoto lens is used for controlling magnification in one optical path, the radial distortion and keystone distortion of the final image can be tuned by laterally displacing the individual elements or pair of elements from the optical axis.
In operation, light exits projection lens 722 toward PBS 712. P-polarized light passes through PBS 712 toward telephoto lens pair 740, then toward polarization switch 720. An optional cleanup polarizer 746 may be located between telephoto lens pair 740 and polarization switch 720 to further enhance contrast. The s-polarized light reflected by PBS 712 is directed toward fold mirror 716, where it reflects toward an achromatic rotator 714 that transforms the s-polarized light into p-polarized light, then it passes through an optional cleanup polarizer 746. Next, the p-polarized light from achromatic rotator 714 passes through polarization switch 720. In this configuration, the s-polarized light reflected by the PBS 716 is efficiently reflected, with polarization maintained by the fold mirror 716. This relaxes any want for polarization preservation from the fold path and maximizes brightness. An achromatic 90° rotator 714 (probably retarder stack based) can be used to convert light from the fold mirror to the orthogonal state. In order to eliminate P-reflection from the PBS 712, a clean up polarizer 746 is likely desirable. This preferably follows the achromatic rotator 714, thereby reducing polarization conversion efficiency as a factor in system level contrast.
PCS 700 provides a high contrast image on the screen. In this exemplary embodiment, the final screen image has a center located on the optical axis of the projection lens. In some other embodiments, the final screen image may be located off-center from the optical axis—for example, a half screen height below the optical axis of the projection lens. In such embodiments, the polarizing beamsplitter 712 may be relocated to intercept the full illumination from the projection lens 722, and the fold mirror 716 may be tilted to properly overlay the two images on the screen. The polarization switch 720 in this embodiment has been split into two elements (one for each path) to increase fabrication yield; although, as previously discussed, it could alternatively be a single unit.
As used herein, the term “cinematic projection” refers to the projection of images using front and/or rear projection techniques, and includes, but is not limited to, applications for cinema, home theatre, simulators, instrumentation, head-up displays,. and other projection environments where stereoscopic images are displayed.
While several embodiments and variations of polarization conversion systems for stereoscopic projection have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.
Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” such claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.
Claims
1. A polarization conversion system comprising:
- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) operable to receive randomly-polarized image light bundles from a projector lens, and direct first image light bundles having a first state of polarization (SOP) along a first image light path, and direct second image light bundles having a second SOP along a second image light path;
- a polarization rotator located on one of the first and second image light paths, the polarization rotator being operable to translate the first SOP to the second SOP;
- a reflector located on the second image light path, the reflector operable to direct second image light bundles to substantially similar locations on a projection screen as the first image light bundles;
- a polarization switch operable to receive first and second image light bundles from the first and second image light paths respectively, and to selectively translate the polarization states of both the first and second image light bundles to one of a first output SOP and a second output SOP; and
- wherein the polarization switch comprises first and second polarization switch panels, the first polarization switch panel receiving image light from the first image light path, the second polarization switch panel being positioned after the reflector and receiving image light from the second image light path.
2. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the first and second polarization switch panels are positioned adjacent to each other and wherein they are positioned such that the first and second image light bundles do not overlap at either of the first and second polarization switch panels.
3. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the reflector comprises one of a curved surface reflector, a flat surface reflector, and a prism.
4. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, further comprising a distance adjusting element located on the first image light path, after the PBS.
5. The polarization conversion system of claim 4, wherein the distance adjusting element comprises a lens.
6. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the first output SOP is orthogonal to the second output SOP.
7. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the polarization switch selects between the first and the second output SOP in synchronization with transmission of an image frame by a projector.
8. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the PBS comprises a plate polarizer.
9. The polarization conversion system of claim 8, wherein the plate polarizer comprises a polarizer selected from the group of a wire grid polarizer, a polarization recycling film, and a multi-dielectric polarizer.
10. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, wherein the polarization rotator is an achromatic half-wave retarder.
11. The polarization conversion system of claim 1, further comprising an image adjustment element located on one of the first and second image light paths and operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second light paths at a projection screen.
12. The polarization conversion system of claim 11, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second image light paths by being mechanically decentered from its respective light path.
13. The polarization conversion system of claim 11, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to overlap the images from the first and second light paths within 1-4 pixels of each other.
14. A polarization conversion system comprising:
- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive randomly-polarized image light bundles from a projector lens, and direct first image light bundles having a first state of polarization (SOP) along a first image light path, and direct second image light bundles having a second SOP along a second image light path;
- a polarization rotator, wherein the polarization rotator is located on the first image light path and operable to translate the first SOP to the second SOP, or the polarization rotator is located on the second image light path and operable to translate the second SOP to the first SOP;
- a polarization switch operable to receive first and second image light bundles from the first and second image light paths respectively, and to selectively translate the polarization states of both of the first and second image light bundles to one of a first output SOP and a second output SOP, wherein the polarization switch comprises first and second polarization switch panels, the first polarization switch panel receiving light from the first image light path, and the second polarization switch panel receiving image light from the second image light path; and
- a reflector element located on the second image light path,
- wherein to direct the second image light path toward substantially similar locations on a projection screen as the first image light path, at least one of the following applies:
- (i) the reflector element is tiltable;
- (ii) the polarization beam splitter is tiltable; and
- (iii) the polarization conversion system further includes a lens or element with optical power, wherein said lens or element with optical power can be mechanically decentered.
15. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the first output SOP is orthogonal to the second output SOP.
16. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the first and second polarization switch panels form a single panel that receives image light from the first image light path and the second image light path.
17. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the polarization switch comprises a circular polarization switch.
18. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the polarization switch comprises an achromatic linear polarization switch.
19. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the polarization rotator is a half-wave retarder operable to transform p-polarized light to s-polarized light, and is further operable to transform s-polarized light to p-polarized light.
20. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the reflector element comprises one of a curved surface reflector, a flat surface reflector, and a prism.
21. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, wherein the polarization switch is configured to select between the first and the second output state of polarization in synchronization with transmission of an image frame by a projector.
22. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, further comprising an astigmatism correction element located on one of the first and second image light paths.
23. The polarization conversion system of claim 22, wherein the astigmatism correction element is integrated into another optical element in the polarization conversion system.
24. The polarization conversion system of claim 14, further comprising an image adjustment element located on one of the first and second image light paths and operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second light paths at a projection screen.
25. The polarization conversion system of claim 24, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second image light paths by being mechanically decentered from its respective light path.
26. The polarization conversion system of claim 24, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to overlap the images from the first and second light paths within 1-4 pixels of each other.
27. A polarization conversion system comprising:
- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) operable to receive randomly-polarized image light bundles from a projector lens, and direct first image light bundles having a first state of polarization (SOP) along a first image light path, and direct second image light bundles having a second SOP along a second image light path;
- a reflector located on the second image light path, the reflector operable to direct second image light bundles to substantially similar locations on a projection screen as the first image light bundles;
- a polarization switch operable to receive first and second image light bundles from the first and second image light paths respectively, and to selectively translate the polarization states of both the first and second image light bundles to one of a first output SOP and a second output SOP; and
- wherein the polarization switch comprises first and second polarization switch panels, the first polarization switch panel receiving image light from the first image light path, the second polarization switch panel being positioned after the reflector and receiving image light from the second image light path.
28. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, wherein the first and second polarization switch panels are positioned adjacent to each other and wherein they are positioned such that the first and second image light bundles do not overlap at either of the first and second polarization switch panels.
29. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, wherein the reflector comprises one of a curved surface reflector, a flat surface reflector, and a prism.
30. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, further comprising a distance adjusting element located on the first image light path, after the PBS.
31. The polarization conversion system of claim 30, wherein the distance adjusting element comprises a lens.
32. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, wherein the first output SOP is orthogonal to the second output SOP.
33. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, wherein the polarization switch selects between the first and the second output SOP in synchronization with transmission of an image frame by a projector.
34. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, wherein the PBS comprises a plate polarizer.
35. The polarization conversion system of claim 34, wherein the plate polarizer comprises a polarizer selected from the group of a wire grid polarizer, a polarization recycling film, and a multi-dielectric polarizer.
36. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, further comprising an astigmatism correction element located on one of the first and second image light paths.
37. The polarization conversion system of claim 36, wherein the astigmatism correction element is integrated into another optical element in the polarization conversion system.
38. The polarization conversion system of claim 27, further comprising an image adjustment element located on one of the first and second image light paths and operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second light paths at a projection screen.
39. The polarization conversion system of claim 38, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to substantially overlap the images from the first and second image light paths by being mechanically decentered from its respective light path.
40. The polarization conversion system of claim 39, wherein the image adjustment element is operable to overlap the images from the first and second light paths within 1-4 pixels of each other.
41. A polarization conversion system comprising:
- a polarization beam splitter (PBS) operable to receive randomly-polarized image light bundles from a projector lens, and direct first image light bundles in a p-polarization state along a first image light path, and direct second image light bundles in an s-polarization state along a second image light path;
- a reflector element located on the second image light path, wherein the reflector element is operable to direct second image light bundles to substantially similar locations on a projection screen as the first image light bundles;
- an achromatic linear polarization switch operable to receive first and second image light bundles from the first and second image light paths respectively, and to selectively translate the polarization states of both the first and second image light bundles to one of a p-polarization output state or an s-polarization output state; and
- wherein the achromatic linear polarization switch comprises first and second polarization switch panels, the first polarization switch panel receiving image light from the first image light path, the second polarization switch panel being positioned after the reflector element and receiving image light from the second image light path.
42. The polarization conversion system of claim 41, wherein the reflector element is a fold mirror.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 12, 2014
Date of Patent: Mar 14, 2017
Patent Publication Number: 20150002819
Assignee: RealD Inc. (Beverly Hills, CA)
Inventors: Miller H. Schuck (Erie, CO), Michael G. Robinson (Boulder, CO), Gary D. Sharp (Boulder, CO)
Primary Examiner: Tony Ko
Application Number: 14/485,256
International Classification: G02B 27/00 (20060101); G03B 35/26 (20060101); G02B 27/26 (20060101); G02B 27/28 (20060101); H04N 13/04 (20060101); G03B 21/14 (20060101); G02B 27/22 (20060101); G03B 21/28 (20060101); G03B 35/22 (20060101);